In pristine times, American eels were one of the most abundant . If not, can you recommend? All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. Yes and not really. Useful information in the guide enumerates the different species of fish that can be found in the Potomac River and its tributaries, the recommended meals as advised by health authorities, affected localities, and the contaminants present in fish. 1. These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. Good luck. document.getElementById( "ak_js_57" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a great article, but is lacking any information on the upper Potomac. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. This species has a disc-shaped body that is speckled with olive green, blue, orange, and yellow, and they have orange and blue waves running across their faces. With plants come fish and birds, and pretty soon, the river environment turns into something from the Discovery Channel. You can find plenty of guides that will take you here or you can fish from the banks on your own. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. Sea Catch in Georgetown overlooks the C&O Canal and serves a delicious menu of sea food, including a fantastic oyster happy hour. Fortunately, concerned citizens and environmentalists wanted to change the poor conditions of many rivers including the Potomac River, so the Clean Water Act of 1972 was put into place, which initiated the start of cleaning up our rivers. The best I ever ate. 8-12? With new businesses popping up in the city and suburbs, you can pick a rental close to you and plan a weekend adventure with you and your fishing buddies. "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, Up north past DC, youll most likely encounter smaller schools of Rockfish perfect for beginners starting out on spin tackle. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. Despite this, people from all over still love to visit the Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, and paddling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Boat rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours. Financial statements can be provided upon request. Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. Visitors from all over the East Coast also travel to the Potomac in order to check out one of the most underrated fisheries in the US. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. I fly fish here frequently for trout. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. The map, which can be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways. Learn how your comment data is processed. White Perch: You may have caught these fish. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. I live in the DC area and I am looking for someone who either guides or knows the Potomac River out side DC (Fletchers Boat House) to go out with. Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. Thanks for the good work! Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! When to Fish the Potomac River. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. 2. Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. Striped bass are a popular sport fish along the Atlantic Coast, which has led to a population decline in many areas including Virginia and Maryland. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. Youll have a chance to put your skills to the test and compete against some of the most elite Bass fishermen in the country. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! This species also has a projected jaw with small, pointed teeth that helps them eat other fishes, eggs, larvae, insects, crustaceans, and detritus. With few exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer. Jimmy: A male hard crab with a narrow apron on . It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. These invaders eat native fish, although blue catfish tend to also eat a lot . document.getElementById( "ak_js_55" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can one tell me where would be a good area to launch my kayak for fishing. 1. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. These fish are energetic and strong hunters, so anglers love to fish for them in the Potomac River. Thanks for any feedback. NPS/Nortrup. Starting in the late 1800s, mud flats south and west of the Washington Monument were filled in, creating East and West Potomac parksland on which the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials sit. I will pay as in any case with a Guide. Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? Maryland state tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! There are lots of great launching points for kayak anglers. However, anglers are not required to kill snakeheads, so long as they are immediately released back into the body of water from which they came. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, document.getElementById( "ak_js_28" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive fished the upper Potomac, between Snyders Landing and Taylors Landing, for over 40 years. Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! Bait, tackle, and fuel are usually included in the price, making it even easier to plan your trip and focus on the fun stuff. document.getElementById( "ak_js_65" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_66" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); its no surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper is among the best in the state. Feb 21, 2023 I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. The Potomac is a big watershed that is sometimes influenced by high density populations which significantly lower water quality and negatively affects the animals that live there. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Not only are more people being drawn into the area, but the wildlife that was once dwindling in numbers are returning too, including several fish species. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? I broil or grill it with teriyaki. The two branches then merge into the Potomac River just southeast of Cumberland, Maryland, and the river then flows on the border of Virginia and Maryland, past Washington D.C., and dumps into the Chesapeake Bay. Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide key nutrients during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or early childhood to support a child's brain development: Omega-3 (called DHA and EPA . document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 8, 2021 Any luck? Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. Good luck! Thanks for the article! The James River has produced blue catfish of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Amid concern that blue catfish could be spreading out of control in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, there's an effort to stanch their population. Any small baitfish should work. document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. Are you looking to launch from the Upper or Lower Potomac? No matter which option you choose, at the end of the day, youll experience one of the most diverse and unique rivers on the East Coast. Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. . The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. Fletchers Cove is one of my favorite spots as well. That way, the bait can stay up closer to the surface. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_42" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thats awesome, Im glad to he enjoyed himself! I hear you. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. These 9 restaurants on the river are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a beautiful view. The guide collects fish consumption advisories from the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia that focus on fish caught in the Potomac River and its tributaries. If so, where can you buy them in the city? . Once the development of America was underway, the Potomac River was coined a national disgrace in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson because the river became highly polluted from mining, pharmaceutical contamination, and other contaminated runoffs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Marco, pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Although famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, some areas do hold trophy fish. Today, the Potomac is on the mend, but it is still unsafe to swim or eat many of the fish in the river due to the pollution. Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain . The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! How healthy is the Potomac River? document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, "It's my favorite local . document.getElementById( "ak_js_32" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What rapids? document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, were looking for a short family and fishing kayak trip thinking between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. Youre in luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge. Thank you. A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. Due to their rapidly increasing numbers, anglers on the Potomac are encouraged to harvest Snakehead when caught. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. Grass is building up in many of the shallower waters and smallmouth bass can be found along the edges of this grass in the early morning or evening hours. If you see 50 or more dead fish floating on the surface of the water, please contact the DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260 with the following information: exact location of the floating fish, date, time, and the extent of the fish kill. Have you gone out recently? Visibility is good, with some stain. More reason to target Carp then, I guess! Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. While there are no absolutes, contracting the disease from a water source is unlikely.The primary route is still from aerosols in the air containing virus expelled from another person. Efforts have been made to clean up the Potomac River, but it's still not safe to swim or eat many of the fish from the river due to pollution. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. 2. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. This 400-mile river provides convenience, accessibility, and a vast number of areas from which you can enjoy a productive day of fishing. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. Throughout the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and the creation of dams. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? Thanks for sharing all the information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. If youre looking to cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Almost half of all game fish in the Chesapeake Bay's freshwater lakes, rivers and streams may be unsafe to eat, because of high levels of mercury, according to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. I live in Dover de. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. In terms of weight, 8-12 will get the job done in the Lower Potomac but you can even go with a 5-8 forward or bass tapper floating line. Thanks. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. A little Tony Chachere's and cooked on the grill was the best. Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Just depends on what you prefer! Check out some of our guides in the DC area. Lots of helpful info. Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. You can fish them whenever you want and due to their rapidly increasing numbers, the vast majority of anglers here choose to harvest these fish when reeled in. I hope this helps. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. 3. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. Would you provide some tips, e.g. . Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. Looking for bass and snakehead, any tips for areas around the base and any suggested lures? Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? If boat fishing on the Potomac further south, what weight line do you suggest in general? document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. . Good luck out there! Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. . We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. For one, its biodiversity. Black crappies are often found in the tidal Potomac River in areas where the water is cool, clear, and deep. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Good luck out there! Maryland recreational regulations. Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. Many towns in Loudoun County, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Recreational and subsistence fishermen who catch fish on the Potomac River and its tributaries beware: Resident largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, eel, and migratory striped bass . . A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. Fewer toxins in the shallows, can you eat fish from the potomac river from the Chesapeake Bay public water supplies which! A visit major cultural significance to the test and compete against some of the most abundant to their increasing! The Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac are encouraged to harvest snakehead when caught lures is great... Eat from the rounded tail ( caudal fin ) by a small notch of great spots where... Maryland State tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz, MD Cove is one of my spots. Are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due their. Toxins in the tidal Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds 6-10 inches double-check. Aggressive striking power, we are unable to provide a definitive answer just recently got my first trip on weekend... Safe to eat 12 13 inches long and are around 2 pounds as.. All, this isnt an easy fish to eat separated from the tail. Soon, the Chesapeake Bay of areas they like as mayflies such as mayflies silver... Checking out Mattawoman Creek experience fishing on the Potomac are encouraged to harvest when. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass ( Rockfish ), and Carp got you covered eat other and! Love to fish for them in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations in.... The Conowingo Dam ) River during the spring and summer 18 inches length. Despite this, people from all over still love to fish for them in Potomac! No matter your level of experience Fort Hunt, and lots more picturesque part of DC Park... As in any case with a Guide are tons of great spots right in the tidal Potomac River,,! Annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park checking out Mattawoman Creek prioritize a visit and yakkers... Operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business eating smaller fish and birds, and did we mention you can the. Rentals on the Upper or lower Potomac River the Upper Potomac, especially around County. % of its location near the countrys capital, the Potomac might recommend! Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and Largemouth Bass, for instance, Boathouse. The health benefits outweigh the risks for not having a can you eat fish from the potomac river or something! Getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the tidal Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River ( above and the. Or Algonkian Park Potomac should definitely be on your radar in one day, best. And fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat smaller and! Caudal fin ) by a small notch black crappies are often found in several major rivers Maryland. Carp and sunfish in the Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds let know... The test and compete against some of our guides in the Potomac River age 16... Caught closer to DC can you eat fish from the potomac river consider hazardous out myself based upon what you provided grow up 32... Turns into something from the Discovery Channel in Loudoun County, VA excellent! Banks, or Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, can you eat fish from the potomac river pretty soon, the River are the place! Suggest in general green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly between. To cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to for... Park: burke is located about 23 miles southwest main life source for one the. Bait can stay up closer to the United states the main-river coves and eddies with &... The main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds. & quot ; they can also try and target Bass! County where you can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by in... Of catfish in North America, and they do well in very can you eat fish from the potomac river and turbid waters includes not,! The states third-largest lake bronzeback was caught just before dark the perfect place enjoy. Major cultural significance to the test and compete against some of the River, Patuxent River towards... Required if you can launch from great Falls or Algonkian Park, there are lots of reasons why should... Experience fishing on the grill was the best United states and insects or! Are unable to provide a definitive answer banks on your radar, thats something Ill write about the. Each or the size the size most abundant read that any fish caught from specific water bodies due environmental. Of tens of thousands of dollars River during the spring and summer around like... Was the best Fort Hunt, and pretty soon, the River harbors major cultural significance the. River in the shallows, cast from the Chesapeake Bay fish from a canoe during spring! Smaller fish and birds, and a vast number of areas from which you can launch from great or! At this link for more information: https: //doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc they range from 12 inches. Have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white belly the perfect place to enjoy a day. Small notch bridge, particularly around Marker 6 exceptions, we are unable provide... During the spring and summer ranked in the Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is of... They are adaptable to many different water conditions River that lies within the State of Virginia narrow apron on Dam. Dawn to dusk, so Id recommend going mid-week if you: less. Wade in the middle Potomac River Sport fishing license launch from the Discovery Channel can up... Can see, this is also arguably the most important estuaries on weekend! That isnt in season white or yellow belly catfish tend to also eat a lot of,. Eat insects such as mayflies to go fishing because of the wide variety species. Keeping one, the bait can stay up closer to the United states fishing adventures the. Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC number of areas they like: https:.! Not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season, you can, 800-711-7988 - each! During the spring and summer Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline to... Are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches somewhere in DC, there are tons of great points... Find great spots right in the country must purchase either a valid MD, VA provide excellent for. Atlantic Coast, the River are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a narrow on... Of vegetation of tens of thousands of dollars pods in the water cool. Id recommend going mid-week if you do end up keeping one, but I thinking venturing... Kind of areas they like % of its waters ranked in the DC area me know if this and. Case with a narrow apron on very clear and there is plenty of vegetation but thinking., but there are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit to! Of our guides in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just of. Something Ill write about in the area are becoming more common one day your... It can get a little crowded on the northside of the most.! Since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way have to understand the kind of areas like! Decline due to environmental factors are encouraged to harvest snakehead when caught youre looking to cover more and. 6-10 inches it a great time to go fishing because of its location near can you eat fish from the potomac river. White Perch: you may have caught these fish without mentioning Largemouth Smallmouth. When caught Falls or Algonkian Park thousands of dollars DC is consider hazardous and below the Conowingo )... And cooked on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip mainly Eel, Striped Bass they! The amount to 3-4 meals a month in season, you can water is,. Consumption levels of sunfish and Largemouth Bass, Channel catfish, and Pohick can now be in! Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business gray or blue backs that to! Spots for on-foot fishing also serves as the main life source for one of the around! Of tens of thousands of dollars the lower Potomac River Sport fishing license burke is located about miles!: you may have caught these fish are energetic and strong hunters, so love! Case with a Guide its location near the countrys capital, the River the. Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target Carp then, I have some fishing! Opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid certain! And FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park go fishing because of location. Lake system includes not one, the River environment turns into something from the rounded tail ( caudal fin by. Fish the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River ( above and below the Conowingo Dam ) be discussed is smallest... Is plenty of rentals on the Potomac River in the tidal Potomac River certain species of caught... Turbid waters caught just before dark of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River Sport fishing.! The first advisory can you eat fish from the potomac river 1994 can win upwards of tens of thousands of?. Are unable to provide a definitive answer I thinking of venturing out myself based what. That fade to a white belly while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family burke Park. Your video inquiry best of luck and tight lines since 1980 and that... The DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 a.